Portugal is the latest European country to battle wildfires this summer as temperatures reached more than 40ºC in an extreme heatwave.
Firefighters have been tackling three major fires in Portugal this week, including a blaze close to the town of Odemira, in the Alentejo region.
Strong winds fanned the flames towards Aljezur in the Algarve, while in the Alentejo, four tourist accommodations and a camping site were evacuated, alongside a number of villages.
Vitor Vaz Pinto, regional commander of the Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), announced on Wednesday the wildfire in the municipality of Odemira was brought under control at 10.15am.
A spokesperson for Visit Portugal said: “According to ANEPC – National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection, there are currently no significant active fire’s occurrences that put people or infrastructure at risk.
“However, this is a matter that Turismo de Portugal is monitoring closely with the various national entities involved.”
Temperatures have fallen along the country’s coastline, but they remain high inland.
Is it safe to travel to Portugal?
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development has not issued any advice against travel to any area of Portugal.
UK holidaymakers travelling with a tour operator are unlikely to be affected. Both Thomas Cook and British Airways Holidays said the fires were a long way – 60km (37 miles), in the case of BA Holidays – from where its customers are in the Algarve.
Those travelling around Portugal independently should keep up to date with guidance from national authorities.
André Gomes, president of Algarve Tourism Bureau, said:
“We can confirm that the fires are already under control and, although the survey of the impacts generated on the ground is still being evaluated by the Municipalities of Aljezur and Monchique, we are not aware of any relevant damage to infrastructures, units or tourist facilities in the affected regions of the Algarve.
“Unfortunately, about 75 per cent of the territory affected by the fires is located in the Alentejo region, with the remaining land burned in the Algarve, with an impact on the landscape and nature of these territories. Over these past few days, we have been working very closely with the mayors of Aljezur and Monchique, the affected municipalities, as well as with local and regional associations linked to nature tourism, being available to provide the help and support they need.
“There are no travel warnings in the Aljezur or Monchique region, as there are no disruptions to the efficiency of services, and everything is working safely and effectively, thanks to all civil protection agents and other entities for their commitment to fighting the flames, expressing all solidarity with those affected.”
Ashley Quint of Berkhamsted-based travel agents, TravelTime World, offers advice for those travelling in a country affected by wildfires.
He said: “Make sure you have contact details for both your tour operator/or airline, and the details for the British consulate or embassy, just in case there is an immediate threat to the area you’re staying in.
“It’s also imperative to follow the instructions of the local authorities – especially around lighting fires (more important for those hiring villas) to minimise the risk of accidently starting a fire.”
The very young and the elderly are most vulnerable to extreme heat, but all travellers should follow general advice for coping with high temperatures. This includes carrying a bottle of water with you, wearing and reapplying high-SPF sunscreen and avoiding drinking too much alcohol or caffeine.
It is also advisable to avoid strenuous activity and to keep out of the sun during the hottest hours of the day.
Where are the wildfires in Portugal?
The worst fire was in the municipality of Odemira. This has now been brought under control, although around 100 authorities remain at high risk of wildfires.
Nasa’s fire information for resource management service reveals three hotspots, although there are tens of fires burning at various points across the country.
